# Erich Wolfgang Korngold

> Austrian-born American composer and conductor (1897–1957)

**Wikidata**: [Q313371](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313371)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Wolfgang_Korngold)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erich-wolfgang-korngold

## Summary
Erich Wolfgang Korngold was an Austrian-born American composer and conductor (1897-1957) who won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his innovative contributions to film music, successfully bridging classical composition techniques with cinematic storytelling.

## Biography
- Born: May 29, 1897
- Nationality: Austrian (with American citizenship)
- Education: University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Known for: Film score compositions and classical works
- Employer(s): Not specifically detailed in source material
- Field(s): Composer, conductor, pianist, film score composer, librettist

## Contributions
Korngold made significant contributions to the field of film scoring by introducing classical composition techniques to early Hollywood films. His work earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Score, recognizing his innovative approach to combining music with visual storytelling. As a composer, he worked across multiple mediums including classical compositions and film scores, demonstrating versatility and artistic range that influenced generations of film composers including Leigh Harline, Bernard Herrmann, Nick Glennie-Smith, and Buddy Baker.

## FAQs
**What nationality was Erich Wolfgang Korngold?**
Korngold was born in Austria but later acquired American citizenship, maintaining dual citizenship throughout his life.

**What institutions educated Erich Wolfgang Korngold?**
He was educated at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he developed his compositional skills.

**What professional roles did Erich Wolfgang Korngold hold?**
Korngold worked as a composer, conductor, pianist, film score composer, and librettist throughout his career.

**How did Korngold influence film music?**
He introduced classical composition techniques to film scoring, earning recognition with an Academy Award for Best Original Score and influencing the development of cinematic music through his symphonic approach.

**Did Korngold receive any awards for his work?**
Yes, Korngold received the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his contributions to film music.

## Why They Matter
Erich Wolfgang Korngold matters for his pioneering work in bridging classical music traditions with the emerging medium of film scoring. By bringing his European classical training to Hollywood, he elevated film music from simple accompaniment to an integral storytelling component. His recognition with an Academy Award helped establish film composers as important artistic contributors to cinema, influencing subsequent generations. Korngold's dual cultural background, transitioning from Austria to America, represents the migration of musical talent that significantly influenced 20th-century music development and helped shape the language of cinematic music that continues to influence composers today.

## Notable For
- Academy Award for Best Original Score recipient
- Bridging classical composition with film scoring
- Austrian-born American composer and conductor
- Versatile career as composer, conductor, pianist, film score composer, and librettist
- Education at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Associations with notable composers including Leigh Harline, Bernard Herrmann, Nick Glennie-Smith, and Buddy Baker
- Active career from 1909 to 1957

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Erich Wolfgang Korngold was born on May 29, 1897, and died on November 29, 1957. His education took place at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he developed his musical talents. This training provided him with a strong foundation in classical composition techniques that would later inform his work in both classical and film music.

### Musical Career and Roles
Korngold's professional career encompassed multiple musical disciplines:
- Composer: Creating both classical works and film scores
- Conductor: Directing musical ensembles
- Pianist: Performing on the piano
- Film Score Composer: Creating original music for films
- Librettist: Writing text for musical compositions

This diverse range of activities demonstrated his comprehensive understanding and mastery of music across different contexts and mediums.

### Film Scoring Achievements
Korngold made significant contributions to film scoring by bringing his classical training to the emerging medium of sound films. His approach combined traditional orchestration with narrative-driven musical elements, earning him recognition with the Academy Award for Best Original Score. This achievement established him as a pioneer in the field of film music, influencing how subsequent composers would approach the relationship between music and visual storytelling.

### Professional Connections
Throughout his career, Korngold maintained connections with other notable composers in the film industry:
- Leigh Harline: American film composer and songwriter
- Bernard Herrmann: American composer and conductor known for influential film scores
- Nick Glennie-Smith: British composer
- Buddy Baker: American composer, big band arranger, and orchestra leader

These relationships positioned Korngold within a network of influential figures who collectively shaped the development of film music as an art form.

### Cultural Background and Influence
Korngold's Austrian heritage and American citizenship represented a unique cultural perspective that influenced his work. His career spanned from 1909 to 1957, a period of significant change in both classical music and cinema. His ability to navigate these evolving artistic landscapes while maintaining a consistent musical voice demonstrated his adaptability and artistic integrity.

### Legacy and Recognition
Korngold's contributions to film music continue to be recognized through his Academy Award and the ongoing study of his work. His approach to combining classical composition techniques with cinematic storytelling established a standard for future film composers. The connections he maintained with other composers created a lineage of influence that extended beyond his own career, shaping the trajectory of film music for decades to come.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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3. The Fine Art Archive
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8. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/27/obituaries/george-w-korngold-record-producer-dies.html)
9. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1939)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
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34. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
35. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/erich-wolfgang-korngold)
36. performing-arts.ch